Book a flight to Philadelphia with Qatar Airways

Book a flight to Philadelphia with Qatar Airways and discover ‘Philly’, the fifth most-populous city in the USA. Visitors to the East Coast often bypass Philadelphia in favour of New York City, but it’s well worth experiencing East Coast living, Philly style. A melting pot of music, art, culture and style, the city attracts visitors who come as much for the historic quarter as they do for South Philly's infamous cheesesteaks.

Once the nation's capital, today the 'birthplace of America' has plenty to offer visitors. Fly to Philadelphia with Qatar Airways to stopover on your tour of the East Coast, or enjoy a longer stay to explore the city's highlights for yourself.

Tourist attractions

Philadelphia is a huge city with many attractions to see so investing in a CityPass, which grants entrance to six of the main attractions, is a good idea. This includes entrance to the Adventure Aquarium, Philadelphia Zoo and the Franklin Institute, as well as 24 hours of on-off travel on the Phila Trolley and Big Bus Company. You can also add on entry to Eastern State Penitentiary or the Please Touch Museum.

Visit 'America's most historic square mile' at Independence National Historic Park, then stroll past City Hall, the city's tallest building until 1987. No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary, the oldest prison in the USA, which hosts special attractions for Halloween. Fans of the macabre can also visit the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, the author's former home.

If you have the energy left, climb the legendary steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which tourists and locals still do to this day following its appearance in the movie Rocky.

Leisure activities

When you travel to Philadelphia, you'll find no shortage of leisure activities. Book lovers can enjoy a free tour of the Rare Book Department at the Philadelphia Free Library. Here you'll find medieval manuscripts alongside the stuffed body of Charles Dickens' pet raven, Grip.

On sunny days, head for Fairmount Park, a 9,200-acre green space. Relax at the Japanese Tea House, let the kids explore the Please Touch Museum or enjoy horseback riding or biking on the Forbidden Drive Trail.

Philly is known for its live music and theatre – Festival Pier is the city's main outdoor venue during the summer months, whilst the Theatre of Living Arts on South Street usually has a packed events schedule. The Ben Franklin Parkway has also hosted several large music festivals. Sports are big in Philadelphia, and all major professional sports teams play in close proximity to each other. Teams include the Phillies of Major League Baseball, the Eagles of the National Football League, the 76ers of the National Basketball Association, and the Flyers of the National Hockey League.

Eating in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is famous for its food – most notably its cheesesteaks and soft salted pretzels, available from stores and street vendors. Cheesesteaks, a roll filled with shaved grilled beef, cheese and onions, are the local speciality. You'll normally be able to choose from provolone, American or whiz cheese (which is ‘squirty’ cheese in a can - a distinctly American invention!). Ask a local what their favourite cheesesteak place is and they will steer you in the right direction! Hoagies, Philadelphia's official sandwich, are also delicious and widely available.

Reading Terminal Market is a good place to stop off for lunch and try street food, but if it's fine dining you are looking for, you will find plenty of options in Philadelphia, from Japanese cuisine through to inventive dishes made with seasonal local produce. Don't miss out on the opportunity to dine on American comfort food at an authentic dinner.

Shopping in Philadelphia

From Reading Terminal market to designer boutiques, department stores and independent shopping districts, travel to Philadelphia and shopping can be whatever you want it to be. Spend a morning exploring Reading Terminal Market, an indoor market that is home to vendors selling local produce and handmade goods. It's also a great lunch spot.

For designer boutiques and branded fashion, head for Center City or Walnut Street, one of the city's biggest shopping districts. Here you'll find a wide selection of international and high-end brands. .

For a really authentic shopping experience, visit the city's shopping districts, each with their own distinct identity. The Italian Market in South Philly is perfect for fresh Italian produce, whilst 3rd Street Corridor in Old City is the home of independent fashion and design boutiques. For local arts, crafts and antiques, head for Antique Row in Center City.

Cultural considerations

When you travel to Philadelphia, it pays to be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places.

Whilst the city centre and tourist areas are quite safe, be extra vigilant for pickpockets. Because Philly is home to 6.2 million people from almost every nationality, you're assured of a warm welcome, no matter where you are from.

Travel requirements

Flights to Philadelphia with Qatar Airways arrive at Philadelphia International Airport, just a few minutes from the city.

Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. So before you fly to Philadelphia please check the visa and passport requirements.